The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings 2015 Season Review: Defense

By Jordan Wright

Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph (98) against the St. Louis Rams at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Rams 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph (98) against the St. Louis Rams at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Rams 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Linebackers

Anthony Barr has become a revelation in his second season, finishing with 68 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 8 pass defenses, 3 forced fumbles and an interception (899 snaps). Barr was PFF’s second ranked linebacker for the season, finishing with a player grade of 93.4.

Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) against the St. Louis Rams at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Rams 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) against the St. Louis Rams at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Rams 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Eric Kendricks played well as a rookie, amassing 92 tackles (team lead) and 4 sacks (832 snaps). However, Kendricks’ pass coverage earned a grade of only 36.6, which is why his overall grade is only 58.9, ranking him number 56 for linebackers.

Chad Greenway finished with 68 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 pass defenses, 1 interception and 1 touchdown (663 snaps). Greenway was the lowest ranked starting linebacker on the Vikings with a grade of 56.2, thanks in large part to his abysmal run defense grade of 29.7.

Edmond Robinson played the most snaps of the backup linebackers (46) and had a player grade of 68.8 which would have ranked him 31 in the NFL according to PFF.

Brandon Watts played 32 snaps and finished with a grade of 58.8.

Audie Cole was the lowest rated Vikings linebacker with a grade of 40.6 in 38 snaps.

Cornerback

Captain Munnerlyn was the Vikings’ highest rated cornerback, earning a grade of 82.3 in 760 snaps. Captain’s grade brings him in at number 20 in the NFL for cornerbacks.

Terence Newman was the second highest rated Vikings’ corner with a player grade of 76.3 through 1,014 snaps. What amazes me the most is Newman’s run defense grade of 81.8, which tied him with Darrelle Revis.

Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) celebrates with cornerback Josh Robinson (21) after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) celebrates with cornerback Josh Robinson (21) after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Xavier Rhodes is the 58th rated corner with a player grade of 70.6, earned in 1,089 snaps.

Trae Waynes only played 215 snaps, but still ended up with a player grade of 72.9. After being one of PFF’s lowest rated corners in the preseason, it’s nice to see Waynes progress into a player who looks like he has a bright future.

Marcus Sherels is the only other Vikings corner to play snaps in 2015 (9 snaps) and earned a low grade of 53.7.

Next: Safeties and Overall

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